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5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

Lately, I’ve been getting that itch to get another pet. I have some reservations however as I feel like I may not be 100% ready. I talked about this in my post called When is the Right Time to Adopt another Pet? Then I realized that fostering a pet may be an option to consider. I’ve never fostered before, so I’d have to seriously do some homework to see what’s required. Also, what if I get too attached to the pet and don’t want to let them go? Am I ready for this? What about vet care or if there is an emergency?

I have tons of questions going through my head and I think it’s best I chill and breathe. The most important benefit I can think of is saving a life hands down. Far too many animals’ lives are at stake. Literally millions of cats and dogs are homeless on the streets and end up getting euthanized annually due to insufficient space in shelters, abandonment or owner surrender.

Fostering would be a great idea I think. Honestly, putting things in perspective in the grand scheme of things, saving a life far outweighs my concerns like getting attached. I mean one could argue, if that was to happen, perhaps it is fate and that it is meant to be your new family companion, right? Well, after thinking about this and doing a quick search I found 5 reasons why I think fostering a pet is a good idea (however I’m sure there are many more)!

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

5 Reasons Why I think Fostering a Pet is a Good Idea

1. Fostering saves lives

According to the ASPCA, “Each year approximately 7.6 million animals enter animal shelters nationwide—and nearly 3 million don’t make it out.” With this in mind it’s clear that fostering a cat or dog, helps to save lives. Fostering physically removes them from harm and threat of euthanasia and a real chance for getting adopted in a forever home. With these staggering numbers, there will be more than enough of a need and opportunity to foster.

2. Fostering can be Self healing after loss

The second reason I thought of fostering is finding healing after loss. As you know, this blog is about moving forward after pet loss and finding new and different ways to incorporate inspiration, joy and wellness in life. I definitely think helping to raise and socialize and have fun with puppies or kittens would bring much joy and fulfillment. Not only would fostering help save lives , but through daily interaction and bonding, I think that would help heal the heart. This leads me to the next reason.

3. You can incorporate fun in your daily life

In getting to share your home with a new foster pet, you share time, experiences and lots of laughs. Over time I think one would be able to find a new furry friend through this experience. Also, when raising and socializing animals to be ready for adoption, there are plenty of silly moments and laughs to be had. Whether that is laughing at the food smashed on their face that they cannot quite lick off their face or the funny things a pet does to entertain themselves as you look on. Fostering brings fulfillment and fun along the way.

Photo credit: Pixabay.com

4. Pets will know they are loved

With fun and fulfillment comes love. If there is one thing both humans and animals of all kind crave in this world aside from food and shelter, it is love. To foster an pet is to show them that real love does exist and to know that there are humans in this world that are willing and able to show and give love. Just as people experience abuse, animals do too. Whether it’s local kids abusing animals, or dogs involved in dog fighting, many animals are not so lucky at avoiding physical and mental abuse. Fostering a pet would provide a brand new experience for many abandoned and abused animals to finally understand that love does exist and they are worthy of having love in their lives. When pets feel loved they will reciprocate it 10 fold.

5. Animals deserve a Happy Ending

Last but not least, every story should have a happy ending. Fostering provides this opportunity for an animals journey to have a happy ending and a new beginning. As a foster parent I see two outcomes. One result could be that I could fall in love with my foster pet and adopt them myself into my home and live together as part of the family. On the other hand, as intended, a pet parent is eventually found and matched with the foster pet. The dog or cat finally has a forever home and family to go and spend the rest of their days with. In both cases this would be a happy ending for all involved.

So those are my 5 reasons why I think fostering a pet is a good idea. I have a couple of organizations in mind for fostering noted down below located in the USA/Tri-State area in case you or anyone you know may be interested in fostering too.

Fostering a pet is a great idea! It is the best of both worlds for someone who isn’t sure that they can commit to a pet long term. Being in a foster home rather than a shelter does a lot of good for the pets involved.

As someone who has a cat and a dog as the result of their owner’s passing I’m a huge supporter of fosters. At 62 years old I know that I’ll never adopt another puppy, or dog or cat. But, I really hope I get the chance to foster an animal when the ones I have are gone, so that I can give another pet a chance, but not risk it’s future if something happens to me. Great post thanks! Sandra and Dolly

Fostering can be hugely beneficial for the animal and humans! If you find that you are unable to care for a cat or in a lot of cases, kittens that require feeding at shorter intervals, or a dog, don’t forget about the tiny critters too! Our local shelter has guinea pig, hamster, bird, rabbit, rats, and mice that can be fostered who are a little easier to contain.

The other bonus is “being able to use your own network to help the animal find a forever home.” Posting on your own social channels with friends and showing photos and stories that feature their unique personality is a reason why one of the folks in your circle may open their home to a new pet. Which means, you can visit if you’ve fallen in love but can’t commit to a new pet at the moment.

We have fostered 6 dogs till date by partnering with several SF based rescues. Fostering helps relieve the kennel stress and gives dogs/pets a fresh lease of life. A great way to find out if you are ready for adoption too!

These are all great reasons. As someone who volunteers with a feral cat rescue, I am truly grateful to you for considering fostering. The cats that are taken in need socializing and to learn to trust. Fosters are ESSENTIAL. Great post!

You are absolutely right fostering saves lives! I have fostered a bunch over the years. Sometimes I kept the animals and other times not. It’s really hard to bring them back to the shelter – but so worth it when they get a new home. I bet you will know when you are ready! Keep us posted.

What a sweet post! I think fostering is a fantastic idea for all the reasons you outlined if you able to. A busy life has always gotten in the way for me and the guilt of not feeling like I would be able to give enough. But you are right, just being able to offer love to that pet is often all it takes to make the biggest difference for him or her. Aaannddd, now I’m crying. 🙂

You’ve listed some great reasons for fostering! I think it would be a wonderful experience for you and the pet you foster. I know you will do your research before you make a commitment, but I guess it would be important to know what to do in case it isn’t a good fit personality wise. As far as getting too attached, there is usually the option to adopt. And even if not, the happiness that you will have knowing you helped a pet to their forever home will be amazing.

Beth,
Great points! That’s my biggest concern (coming from the heart) that I’d get too attached, however the last organization I volunteered at did have foster with intent to adopt option. I may consider finding an organization that has such an option. Thanks for sharing your perspective.

I think later down the road we might foster again if we had more space and time. Our current set-up is not great for being able to separate dogs and we’re in a condo so that limits a lot of dogs (due to noise).

I always love reading articles on reasons to foster pets. And thank you for linking so many good resources. I have been fostering (mostly mama cats and kittens, but one dog also) over the last year and a half. Honestly, it has been an overall wonderful experience (I even have a few articles regarding foster on my blog). I was really debating on if I was ready to adopt a second dog and fostering helped me figure out that my current pup is happier as the only dog in the house. Additionally, I get kitten fever every spring, but don’t think my house is big enough for me to add a new resident cat every year. If you are debating on fostering – I highly recommend. Most shelters/rescues have good resources in place for veterinary care and emergencies. And getting attached is definitely a struggle – I am always sad to see my fosters go. I try to remember that each foster that leaves my house opens up space for another foster to enter. Good luck with your decision to foster!

Kate,
Thank you so much for your insightful comment, especially as a fosterer. It helps give me that extra confidence toward taking that step. However, I will be sure to do my homework and research all my options before diving in. 🙂

I agree, fostering a pet is a good idea and reading your 5 reasons also are encouraging. We aren’t ready yet to get another dog (we have our rescue girl who is still settling) but I would be up for fostering (unfortunately, I’d have a battle with my hubby who wants a puppy ~ which goes against all I believe in ~ both our dogs are rescued.)

These are all great reasons for fostering a pet. I have fostered a number of dogs and I love doing it! When you foster a shelter pet you save TWO lives; the life of the pet you’re fostering and the life of another pet you make room for at the shelter. You also have the opportunity to help a shelter pet through issues that may be keeping them from getting adopted, like being fearful or needing basic training. Fostering absolutely saves lives. I have two dogs and they enjoy having another dog “visit” them for a few weeks or months, it’s fun!
Love & biscuits,
Dogs Luv Us and We Luv Them

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